The 10th West Sea Defense Day Commemoration Ceremony Held at Jeju National Cemetery

'55 Heroes Who Defended the West Sea, Remembered Forever'

The 10th West Sea Defense Day Commemoration Ceremony was held on the 28th at 10 a.m. at the National Jeju Memorial Cemetery's Hyeonchung Square. Photo by Jeju Province.

The 10th West Sea Defense Day Commemoration Ceremony, honoring the noble sacrifice and dedication of the 55 heroes who gave their lives defending the nation's maritime borders, was held at 10 a.m. on the Memorial Plaza of the National Jeju Cemetery for Patriots and Veterans on the 28th.

Hosted by the Jeju Province Veterans Association (President Kim Dalsu), the event was held under the theme "Heroes Who Defended the West Sea, Names to Be Remembered Forever." The program included a tribute at the memorial tower, the national ceremony, floral tribute and incense offering, recitation of a dedicatory poem, roll call of the fallen, and a commemorative performance.

Attendees included Governor Oh Younghoon, Jeju Provincial Council Chairman Lee Sangbong, Jeju Provincial Office of Education Administrative Director Yang Yunsam, Commander of the Naval Mobile Fleet Kim Inho, Marine Corps 9th Brigade Commander Jwa Taeguk, as well as heads of major organizations, military officials, and approximately 500 members of veterans and security organizations.

In particular, family members of the West Sea Defense heroes, such as Yoo Junho, a relative of the late Chief Petty Officer Moon Gyuseok, who was killed in the Cheonan incident, and Cha Gyunjin, the brother of the late Sergeant Cha Gyunseok, participated to honor the memory of the 55 fallen heroes together.

Governor Oh Younghoon stated, "The loyalty and courage of these 55 heroes will remain in our hearts forever," and added, "The Jeju Provincial Government will give all due respect to those who have dedicated themselves to the nation and will never forget their sacrifice."

He continued, "It is our duty to fulfill the earnest wishes of the patriotic spirits who hoped for peace and prosperity for all on this land," emphasizing, "The Jeju Provincial Government will actively work to safeguard peace and create a future of lasting prosperity for generations to come."

He also remarked, "Strong support for veterans is the foundation of robust security and a sustainable way to show patriotism," and expressed hope that "the 10th West Sea Defense Day will be a meaningful occasion for us to realize the preciousness of peace in our land."

West Sea Defense Day is a legal commemorative day established by the government in 2016 to honor the heroes who sacrificed their lives in the Second Battle of Yeonpyeong, the Cheonan sinking, and the Yeonpyeong Island shelling. It is held annually on the fourth Friday of March under the auspices of the Ministry of Patriots and Veterans Affairs.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.